11 Ways To Completely Redesign Your Infant Carrier Seat
What is an Infant Carrier Seat?
When it comes to choosing a car seat, parents have two options either infant car seats or convertible car seats. Car seats for infants have the shortest time for use because they can only be used rear-facing.
Baby carrier seats are typically compatible with strollers (adapters available separately) to make a travel system. Parents can get their baby out of the car to a stroller with ease without disturbing them.
Safety
Many parents are worried about the safety of an infant carrier seat, especially when they buy one for their first time. As with all car seats available on the market, an infant carrier seat is designed to be as safe as possible to protect your infant in the event of a crash. Typically, they are positioned with the infant facing the rear. This is why they are the best choice for infants who are at the greatest chance of being injured in an accident.
They also come with extra padding to provide additional head protection, as well as lower anchors to secure the seat to the chassis of the vehicle in the event of an accident. This is especially crucial for infants who have large necks and heads that can be easily injured in an abrupt stop or crash. The majority of infant carrier seats can be used in conjunction with strollers, creating a travel system which allows you to easily move your baby from your car to your stroller without disturbing them.
The majority of infant car seats have a base that can be used in other vehicles. This lets you bring your child wherever you go. This is a great option for parents who take taxis or ride sharing services often. It can also make traveling with an infant on planes much more convenient.
Certain infant carrier seats can be used on strollers that do not have an base. This allows you to keep your child safe on all kinds of trips and adventures. This is a great choice for grandparents who want to help with the transportation of your child.
It's also important to remember that a baby car seat is never meant to be left unattended outside of the vehicle, since infants can roll or tip them over on soft surfaces, leading to injuries and even suffocation. This is why it is important to read the safety instructions carefully before using a car seat for your infant in a different location.
Portability
Many infant car seats are designed as part of an overall travel system, a combination of car seat base and stroller frame that snap together for seamless transitions. Travel systems are perfect for babies since they permit parents to move their child from the car to the stroller, and vice versa without needing to awake them. This alone is a huge reason more than 80% of Babylist parents register for a seat for their infant!
Many infant car seats are compatible with most strollers. The stroller compatibility feature allows parents to take their baby from their car and place it on a stroller frame to allow them to walk through a supermarket or park. This is a great feature to consider when you are planning to use a taxi or ride-sharing service. Most of these services require a child to be in a safe seat.
Infant car seats are usually smaller and lighter than convertible car seats. They are a great option for families who prefer to be on the go. Some infant car seats also have a handle so parents can carry the seat by themselves. This is particularly helpful in the event of a trip planned that you don't wish to wake your sleeping baby up for!
While infant car seats only last until your child is a toddler and they outgrow the weight and height limitations Some convertible car seats can be used as a rear-facing infant car seat, and later transformed into a forward-facing car seat for older children. These seats all-in-one are ideal if you want to keep your child safe in a seat for as long as it is possible. You can find a convertible car seat that can be converted into a high-back booster seat when your child is too big for the harness (or is over the limit on weight and height). Be sure to look for this when browsing choices!
Ease of Use
An infant car seat is a rear-facing car seat which clicks into a base installed in your vehicle. These seats are designed to keep infants and toddlers safe until they reach the weight and height requirements for a booster. Many infant car seats are compatible with strollers. This can make it easy to transfer the baby from the car to the stroller to continue your journey without disturbing their nap schedule.
Look for a baby seat that is an attachable carrier that you can attach to the base of a stroller or a car. This will allow you to quickly get your child in and out of the car, especially when their nap is coming to end or if they're thirsty, hungry or bored. Check the shoulder strap slots to ensure they're properly positioned for your child. If the straps aren't high enough or too low, they're not safe. high, they aren't used correctly and can be a risk in a crash.
Some infant car seats have lower anchors that can be used in conjunction with or without the base. This is ideal for taxi rides or when traveling via plane. Be sure that the lower anchors are easy to install, have an European routing and are easy to release. We can also listen for an audible "click" when the seat is securely secured. It is also beneficial to find a seat with an easy-to-use harness and carrier adjustment features, like the Graco Click Connect or the UPPAbaby SmartSecure option.
Convertible car seat is the next step after an infant carrier. They are able to be used until your child meets the height or weight requirements for a booster. They can be used in conjunction with strollers, but they don't offer the convenience and fit of an infant car seat. Some convertible seats convert into boosters but they're generally bigger and more difficult to transport and therefore difficult to maneuver in small cars or when transporting children in busy areas.
Installation
Installing car seats, and especially infant car seats, can be difficult. It is essential to do it correctly and safely. The factors that affect this include the seat positioning as well as the angle of the base and the way to use the handle.
The majority of infant car seats are attached to a base in the vehicle. This is commonly called a "travel system". These seats are made for rear-facing use which is more secure than forward-facing. Most car seats come with an indicator of angle built-in that you can use to verify if the seat is set in the correct semi-reclined angle for your child. portable infant car seat may include an adjustable angle.
Another feature to look for is if the seat comes with a way to adjust the height of the shoulder straps without having to detach and adjust the straps. This could be a huge time saver, as it will likely have to be done several times during the car seat of an infant.
Finally, some cars come with hard points in the back seat specifically designed for infant car seats. These are usually tucked into the crease between the cushion on the back of the seat and the bottom cushion. These hooks are custom made for the specific seat and should be able to snap into place with minimal effort. Once they are attached to your seat, you will hear a distinct sound.
It is also a great idea to try the car seat with the child first to make sure it works well for your family. If your child feels uncomfortable or the car seat won't connect to the base, you should search for a different option.
Certain car seats can be equipped to be used without the base. This is a great option when you travel by taxi or public transportation services like Uber. You can usually remove and install the carrier without having a base by simply pressing a lever. Check the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Many will provide a "click" to inform you when it's secured.